IFF Interrogator External Laser Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems require dedicated laser transmitter modules and struggle to interface with external laser transmitters like laser range finders, due to differences in beam width, activation interfaces, and encoding capabilities, which limits their size, weight, energy consumption, and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The system interfaces with external laser transmitters, such as laser range finders, to generate interrogation beams, and encodes identification codes using time patterns between RF broadcast signals and laser beams, enabling the use of narrow beams for wide-area illumination and verification of legitimate interrogations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a dedicated laser transmitter module is used in conventional IFF systems, then the system can generate wide interrogation beams for illuminating large regions, but the system size, weight, and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the IFF interrogator functionality with an external laser transmitter (such as a laser range finder) by providing an activation interface that allows the IFF system to control the external laser's operation. This combining approach eliminates the need for a dedicated laser transmitter within the IFF system, reducing weight while maintaining wide beam illumination capability through the external laser's inherent design
Solution Approach 2:
The external laser transmitter serves multiple functions: it provides wide beam illumination for IFF interrogation while also maintaining its original capabilities for range finding and other laser-based operations. The activation interface enables the IFF system to utilize the external laser's output for identification purposes without preventing the external device from performing its primary functions
2Weight of stationary object
If an external laser transmitter like a laser range finder is used, then the system size and cost are reduced, but the system lacks interfaces for external activation and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an activation interface as an intermediary component that bridges the IFF interrogator and the external laser transmitter. This interface module enables control signals to be transmitted from the IFF system to the external laser, allowing activation and synchronization without requiring modifications to the external laser's core design. The interface acts as a mediator that facilitates communication and control while maintaining the independence of both systems
3Power
If a narrow laser beam is used from external transmitters, then the beam power is maximized for range finding, but the illumination area is insufficient for wide-area IFF interrogation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic beam steering mechanisms that allow the narrow high-power laser beam to be rapidly scanned across the interrogation area. By dynamically changing the beam direction through galvanometer mirrors or other steering devices, the system maintains the high power concentration of narrow beams while achieving wide-area coverage through rapid sequential illumination of different regions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic scanning of the narrow laser beam across the interrogation area in a systematic pattern. The beam is rapidly directed to different locations in sequence, creating a time-averaged illumination effect that covers the entire area. This periodic action allows the high-power narrow beam to illuminate wide areas over time while maintaining peak power for effective transponder activation
4Ease of operation
If a single laser pulse is used from external transmitters, then the system is simple to operate, but encoding of identification codes on the laser beam becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The activation interface serves as an intermediary that enables encoding of identification information through temporal patterns. The interface controls the timing and sequencing of laser pulse emissions, creating distinctive temporal signatures that represent identification codes. This approach transmits information through the timing characteristics of the laser operation rather than through modulation of the laser beam itself, maintaining simplicity while enabling identification
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the size, weight, and energy consumption of IFF systems while enabling cost-effective use of external lasers for wide-area illumination and secure identification verification, overcoming the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a photo detector configured and operable for detecting light illumination in a certain wavelength band when intensity of the illumination exceeds a certain threshold
Data Source
AI summary
An Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogation system and method adapted for: transmitting RF broadcast signal to be received by complementary transponder(s) of the IFF system being within the interrogation range and thereby arm the complementary transponders for sensing laser beam illumination; receiving an RF response signal from the complementary transponder(s); operating a laser activation interface module, which is configured for interfacing an external laser transmitter, to determine activation of transmission of an interrogating laser beam by the external laser transmitted; and receiving and processing RF signals to identify therein RF response signal(s), which are transmitted by the complementary IFF transponder(s) in response to detection of the trans mitted laser beam. In some implementations the complementary transponder is configured to encode, in the RF response signal, an identification code of the interrogator in the form of data indicative of a time pattern representing time interval(s) between the transmissions of the RF broadcast signal and the interrogating laser beam. In turn, the interrogation system may be adapted to decode the identification code from the RF response signal and thereby determine whether the RF response signal is addressed thereto. In some cases where the laser beam of the external laser transmitter has a cross-sectional area smaller than the interrogation region, there is further provided a beam scattering directive providing instructions for directing the optical axis of the external laser transmitter to wards light scattering surfaces in the vicinity of the interrogation region so it is illuminated by scattering of the laser beam by the scattering surfaces.